Here is a list of great things to do in Ouray in the summer…and of course many of the things on this list can also be done in the winter!

Things To Do in Ouray, Colorado in the Summer!

Ouray is sometimes called the Switzerland of America. It is located in a canyon surrounded by the San Juan Mountains and is absolutely gorgeous.

It is a mecca for adventure lovers and thrill seekers as well as a place for people who want to experience the natural beauty and wildlife of the mountains.

The town is situated at 8,000 feet in the western part of Colorado.

It is far from the crowds of Denver and has a population of only 1,000 people yet is still a tourist destination because of all the natural beauty and because there are so many great things to do in Ouray, Colorado!

Although there are plenty of winter activities this post is going to focus on things to do in the in Ouray in the summer.

Hiking

One of the best things to do in Ouray is go hiking! Here are some of the hiking trails in the area.

Box Canyon Falls Park

First of all you are going to want to visit Box Canyon Falls Park where there are three hikes.

You can see the sign for these falls high on a mountain above Ouray. A short drive will take you to the park. This is a developed attraction and you have to pay to see the falls. The cost to enter is $5 per adult.

There are three main trails in the park:

• Falls Trail: This is a must see when you are in Ouray. This is an easy 500 foot walk into the canyon. You will be walking over a grate part of the time which allows you to see way down into the canyon, but the walkway is steady and there are rails so you will feel secure. At the end there is a tremendous waterfall spilling through a narrow opening in the canyon. In the spring when the snow begins to melt the water flow is so fierce that the entire canyon is full of mist. Look around and notice some of the mining equipment that was left behind when operations ceased. Also, this area has been designated an important bird area by the National Audobon Society because it is home to Black Swifts. They migrate through the canyon and are usually there from early June through September.

• High Bridge Trail: A half mile loop that gains 200 feet in elevation. You will walk up a set of stairs to get here and it is totally worth the fairly easy climb for the views of the mountains, the waterfall from a different angle, and the city below.

• Native Plant Loop: This is just a quick stroll through nature with plant markers for the local flora. This is only trail without steps. It will lead you back to the entrance and the parking area.

Bear Creek National Recreation Trail to Grizzly Bear Mine

You will see the signs for the Bear Creek Trailhead only a couple of miles south of Ouray along Highway 550 which is also called the Million Dollar Highway. The trail is an out and back and is considered to be moderate/strenuous.

Honestly when you have just arrived in Colorado from barely above sea level…everything feels strenuous!

The beginning is the hardest part with quite an incline and lots of switchbacks. You gain 1,000 feet in the first mile!

After that you go through a section of ledge paths. A rock wall will go up on one side of you and a steep drop off on the other. This might not be a trail for someone with a fear of heights! I would suggest using trekking poles for stability.

I believe that the trail actually continues but we always turn back at the remains of Grizzly Bear Mine which is where we turned around to return. This is about a 4.5 mile hike round trip.

Cascade Falls Park

This can’t really be called a hike. It is actually just a short walk from the parking lot to the falls, but it is definitely worth a stop when you are in Ouray.

Ouray Perimeter Trail

This is a unique trail that circles the town of Ouray.

You can start this loop at a variety of points but most people begin at the Ouray Visitors Center. There is parking for the trail head behind the center.

Locals recommend hiking this loop in a clockwise direction. It climbs sharply up at the beginning giving you nice views of the town.

Once again there are some steep drop-offs on this trail so if you don’t like heights be aware! Overall I would say this is easier than most trails in the area, but there are some steep areas and some loose gravel. You will pass both Cascade Falls and Box Canyon Falls as well as some bridges, a tunnel, and a creek.

One very popular feature of the Perimeter Trail is that it you are never more than 500 feet vertically or 1⁄2 mile horizontally from Ouray’s City limits. As a result, there are several locations along its route where one can leave the trail and return to town without having to hike its entire length.

Adventures in and Around Ouray, Colorado

So many of the fun things to do in Ouray, Colorado in the summer are adventurous activites!

Go Off-Road!

Ouray is known for its world renowned off road trails. OHV stand for off highway vehicle and an OHV Route is either a dirt road or trail that has been designated as legal and appropriate for off-highway use by motorized vehicles. 

We like to rent Polaris RZR’s (pronounced razor) from Colorado West Jeeps for a day up in the mountains on the Alpine Loop Trail.

These are also known as UTV or Utility Terrain Vehicle, but we heard most of the locals just calling them Razors!

Colorado West Jeeps dropped our Razors off at Ironton where we parked our vehicle and headed up the trail into the mountains in our UTV.

If you are brave enough to drive up these steep and, not going to lie, scary trails, you will encounter stunning views of the San Juan mountains, deep blue high mountain lakes, and mountain passes that are well above 12,000 feet.

You will also see the skeletons of old mining towns and mills that once promised great hope and prosperity, as well as gorgeous valleys with flowing streams surrounded by wildflowers.

It is absolutely stunning!

Oh, there are also heart stopping drop offs and switchbacks. Y’all, I’m not gonna lie. I was scared at times. This particular adventure is probably not for a person who hates heights.

NOTE: If you do this be prepared for weather changes. It was very warm in Ouray, but quite cool up in the mountains at the higher elevations.

Guided Jeep Tours in Ouray

If you are not comfortable driving yourself up into the mountains there are also guided jeep tours.

These are both group and private tours where you will have a driver who is familiar with the mountain trails and how to navigate them.

Check out Alpine Scenic 4×4 Tours or there is also the Switzerland of America Private jeep safari.

Mountain Biking

If you are into mountain biking you will want to check out the RAT or the Ridgeway Area Trail system.

Since 2004, the Ridgway Area Trails (RAT) group has work in collaboration with the US Forest Service, BLM, Ridgway State Park, and public parks to develop a multi-use trail system.

Check out this website to learn more about the wide variety of trails, both easy and hard, and to download a map.

Fishing

There are some amazing streams around Ouray with places to fly fish, spin cast, and even bait fish.

You can hire a guide with Rigs to help you learn to fly fish and take you to the best spots if this isn’t something you have tried before.

Some of the best fishing spots require a hike to get to and some places are catch and release only so be sure and check the local fishing shop to receive the most up to date information on conditions, locations, licenses and supplies.

White Water Rafting

Check out Mild to Wild rafting for some white river rafting opportunities near Ouray!

SUP – Stand Up Paddleboarding

We learned to love stand up paddle boarding when we were at the 30A beaches in the Florida Panhandle.

The best place to paddle board in Ouray is just outside of town at the Ridgeway State Park Reservoir. The reservoir is lovely and large enough to get away from the crowds. It is 5 miles long with 1,030 surface-acres of water.

This is a beautiful place with clear water and great mountain views. If you are feeling really brave you could strap a paddle board to a jeep and go up to Lake Como just past Hurricane Pass way up in the mountains to do some stand up paddleboarding high in the mountains.

Canyoning

Interested in a crazy adventure? Give canyoning a try. Canyoning, also known as canyoneering, involves This involved rappelling or navigating into a canyon, alongside a waterfall or fast moving stream!

Sound like fun? Check out Canyoning Colorado to start your adventure!

You might be interested in learning about great places to stay in Ouray! And I know that it was a little indulgent but I also have written about our elopement in the mountains around Ouray.

Scenic Drives Around Ouray

The Million Dollar Highway

This may be the most famous highway in the US and it is one of the best things to do around Ouray, Colorado in the summer.

The Million Dollar Highway is a canyon clinging stretch of road that is the scariest drive I’ve ever been on.

Ever.

We don’t have mountains like this in Arkansas and we tend to believe in guardrails. There is not a guardrail to be found on this highway which, honestly, seems a little reckless, although I will admit it makes for gorgeous views.

Somehow driving this road felt more frightening to me than the switchbacks and drop offs in the UTV the previous day!

There are a couple of stories about how the Million Dollar Highway was named.

It was either because it cost so much to build or due to the amount of gold ore that remained in the roadway’s fill.

This stretch of Highway is about 25 miles long, but the twelve miles (19 km) south of Ouray through the Uncompahgre Gorge to the summit of Red Mountain Pass is the most terrifying.

Besides the aforementioned lack of guardrails it is characterized by steep cliffs, sheer dropoffs, narrow traffic lanes, and a number of hairpin “S” curves.

If you are super scared of heights but still want to experience the highway you might want to drive the Million Dollar Highway from the old mining town of Silverton back to Ouray so that you will be on the inside of the road more of the time.

Tip: This road can be especially treacherous during rain so you might want to check the weather before you go especially if you aren’t used to driving on roads like these.

The San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway

The Million Dollar Highway is just one part of the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway.

The entire Scenic Byway is 236 miles and passes through the old mining towns of Ouray, Telluride, Cortez, Durango, and Silverton.

You will drive through gorgeous scenery and be in the shadow of some of Colorado’s impressive 14,000 foot peaks.

Things To Do In Town

There is plenty to do right in the town of Ouray. The waterfalls I mentioned above as well as the Perimeter Trail are basically right in the town. Here are some additional fun things to do in Ouray, Colorado in the summer!

Enjoy Ouray!

Just walk up and down the streets of the town popping into eclectic shops and delicious restaurants as you go! It is a quaint, friendly, and lovely small town with a lot of Old West history as well as new west energy!

Visit the Hot Springs Park and Pools

A soak in hot mineral waters is a perfect way to unwind after a day of adventuring in Ouray! A visit to the Ouray Hot Springs Pool is a must when you are in Ouray.

The pool is very developed and well maintained for guests. There are five separate geo-thermally heated pools and of course, the entire facility is surrounded by towering mountain peaks.

It is also a great place to bring a family as there are waterslides and activities for the kids.

If you are a newlywed or a couple without children there are also adults only soaking sections. There is a nice division between the playing and working out and soaking areas.

The various pools also range in temperature so you can choose how hot you want your soak to be.

The pools are popular with both locals and visitors. One of the best things about these hot springs is that they are free from the sulfur smell that so often accompanies natural hot springs.

Take the Bachelor Syracuse Mine Tour

During the late 19th century, the Bachelor Syracuse Mine was one of the most prolific producers of gold in the area.

Today you can visit and experience a real mine and even pan for gold. I think that this would be such a fun things to do with kids! T

he Bachelor Syracuse Mine is just outside of Ouray and they also have a cafe that serves breakfast so ask about that when you schedule your tour.

Check out the Historic Western Hotel

Even if you aren’t staying here you might want to stop in and check out this authentic hotel that was built in the 1890’s and served as a hotel and saloon for visitors to the western Rocky Mountains.

This was a hangout for prospectors and adventurers as well as where the stagecoach used to stop.

The three-story white building features twelve classic rooms and two suites with rustic decor, original molding, carved ceilings, leaded windows with stained glass, and other historical features.

Stop in to the Ouray County Museum

At the Ouray County Museum is housed in a building that was built in 1886 and was originally the St. Joseph’s Miners’ Hospital.

You can learn all about the history of Ouray here through exhibits about life on the local ranches, mining, and the railroads. There are also artifacts from original settlers and Native American tribes who once lived in the area.

This is a small museum but well worth a stop.

The Smithsonian Institution calls it one of the best little museums in the West and Arthur Frommer’s Idiots Guide to the Rockies says: “If you visit one county museum in Colorado make it the Ouray Museum.”

Ouray Alchemist Museum

Such an interesting place!

After checking out the shop in the front of the Ouray Alchemist Museum you can take a guided tour back in time to experience pharmacy in the Wild West. 

This is a fun collection of items that are almost all locally sourced. Over 40 years of collecting has produced this outstanding re-creation of a frontier pharmacy, including the oldest prescription in Colorado.

Mouse’s Chocolate and Coffee

If you notice a line of happy people along Main street in Ouray you are probably at Mouse’s!

Beautiful and delectable chocolate truffles, icecream, coffee drinks, cookies and pastries. Everything is home made and delicious.

Try the scrap cookies, made with scraps from all the candies! Their chai’s, including chai ice cream are also delightful.

More Things To Do Around Ouray, Colorado

There are so many things to do just outside or not too far from Ouray!

Go To Yankee Boy Basin

You have got to go to Yankee Boy Basin while you are in Ouray! I particularly love it because it is where we had out elopement.

The drive to Yankee Boy Basin is another off road trail so you will need a jeep or some type of all-terrain vehicle.

Yankee Boy Basin is very popular with photographers in the summer not only because of the gorgeous scenery and the wildflowers. Flowers were abundant while we were there in July.

The road is just over 18 miles and is rated as moderate.

Visit the Animas Forks Ghost Town

There are many deserted old mining towns in the mountains around Ouray. Animas Forks is one of the best!

We visited via the back trails on our UTVs but you can get there by a county road in a jeep. We even saw a few regular passenger cars coming down this road!

Established in 1875 at 11,180 feet elevation, residents once boasted that Animas Forks was the largest city in the world…at this altitude. It was fun to see the houses and imagine what it must have been like to live here.

Visit The Old Mining Town of Silverton

Silverton is a great small town to visit because it has maintained so much of it’s historical old West feeling.

Wander the streets and pop into the various stores. We had a coffee at Coffee Bear. Then we ate lunch at Handlebar’s Food and Saloon. I highly recommend both of these places!

I can’t tell you how much I enjoy Ouray, Colorado! Of course, it holds fond memories for us because we were married there…but in addition to that there are just so many fun things to do in Ouray, Colorado in the summer.

I’m already looking forward to going back next year!

Thanks for stopping by!

We love it when you pin!

The post Fun Things To Do in Ouray, Colorado in the Summer appeared first on Wear I Wandered.

San Francisco was my first home base as a new flight attendant. There were lots of things that surprised me about San Francisco when I moved there.

It was more beautiful than I had imagined. It was more expensive than I had imagined. And most of all, it was WAY colder than I had imagined.

The weather is something that you will want to keep in mind as you prepare your packing list for San Francisco.

Here are some things that you will want to pack for your trip to San Francisco.

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Prepare for San Francisco Weather

Let’s talk about the weather in San Francisco! Mostly…it’s on the cooler side, but not always!

Of course you will always want to check the forecast before you travel.

Here is what you can “generally” expect in San Francisco.

By the way, the climate in San Francisco does not show a lot of variation throughout the year. The main differences you will encounter are the amount of rain and fog versus the amount of sunshine.

• May – July: Are you aware that the average temperatures in JULY in San Francisco are the same as the average temperatures in DECEMBER in San Francisco. Summers in San Francisco are COOL. The average high in July in the city is 57 and the average low is 46. Be prepared for cool and foggy and occasionally rainy weather.
• August – October: In my opinion fall is the BEST time of year to visit San Francisco. The weather warms up a bit and the sun is usually shining with less fog. There is not much rain especially in September and October, although it can pick up a bit in November
• November – January: Honestly, these months are very similar to the summer months. It can be a definitely be a little chilly but it is very rarely truly cold. You can expect some rainy days in the winter as well.
• March – May: It does warm up a little in the spring and becomes much sunnier with less rain and fog. Spring is also a great time to visit.

What is the San Francisco Style?

So what do people wear in San Francisco? What is the general “style?”

• San Francisco is trendy but casual. Even the business people or tech workers might be wearing jeans and T-shirts, sweaters and sneakers.
• Colors are muted. People wear a lot of black and grey and neutrals and not a lot of bright color.
• People rarely wear shorts. It is almost never warm enough to be in shorts for an entire day.
• Jeans are ubiquitous, especially smart, trendy denim.
• Lots and lots of jackets or sweaters. Almost everyone will be carrying a jacket or a lightweight sweater even on a warmer day.
• Shoes with closed toes. There are two reasons for this: First, hills. Don’t forget that San Francisco is incredibly hilly and you won’t want to be walking those hills in flip flops or sandals. Second, the streets in certain parts of San Francisco (yes, even the touristy sections) are really dirty.
• Dresses are fine but I would suggest either wearing leggings under your dress or bringing a pair of leggings just in case. Why? First, because of the wind can pick up at any time and second, because the weather can change on a dime and leave you shivering.

Packing List For San Francisco

It’s all About the Layers

Layers are key when packing for this gorgeous city!

One thing that you might not know is that the weather is not only changeable from day to day in the city, but can also be different from place to place within the city ON THE SAME DAY.

You might find it cold and very windy at a Golden Gate Bridge viewing point and much, much warmer in the Mission District.

Layers are something that you will need to think through a little more than normal as you pack for a trip to San Francisco.

As you put together your outfits always ask yourself questions like: Do I have a jacket I can throw on if it suddenly gets cold and windy. What can I wear if the fog rolls in? Will I still like this outfit if it gets hot and I have to take the jacket off?

You should definitely bring a jacket or a windbreaker.

Sports and Puffer Jackets

You will see people wearing a lot of sports type jackets in San Francisco.

North Face is very popular brand there, but I wouldn’t go with anything too heavy. This North Face triclimate jacket is a good option because you can wear the layers individually depending on the temperature.

I have this North Face hooded rain jacket and it is also a great choice.

If you don’t want to spend North Face prices take a look at this great little puffer jacket!

Rain Jackets

This Columbia rain jacket is inexpensive and when combined with a sweater on a cool day will be all that you need for the San Francisco weather.

It comes in tons of colors including the typical black or grey that you will see most often in the city. It can double as either a rain jacket and a windbreaker.

Cardigans

Of course a cardigan is a perfect layering piece!

I adore this oversized cardi with the stripes on the arms! So cute! But you could also just go with something more basic like this waffle knit cardigan with pockets.

More Jackets

I love a great denim jacket. It might be my favorite layering piece of all. I prefer them a bit oversized like the one in the link.

Active Wear

There is a lot of walking and hiking and biking in San Francisco.

Be sure and bring some active wear. This two-piece set is super cute.

I like these joggers which are a bit of a Vuori dupe.

A Great Pair of Comfortable Shoes

One of the most important things to wear in San Francisco is a pair of comfortable shoes! You will be walking a lot and up and down some VERY steep hills.

I would suggest a great pair of sneakers. I adore my Hokas. I know that they aren’t the prettiest show in the world but they are SO comfortable.

These SeaVees are great, this is a brand I really like.

You might also opt for a cute pair of flat boots like this Ugg Ankle Boot which is both cute and comfy!

Jeans

There would be almost no place in San Francisco where jeans would not be acceptable.

Jeans are basically the queen of most wardrobes in the city. In fact, did you know Levis is a San Francisco company?

You could always pack a pair of Levi’s 505 straight jeans. A great basic!

Or any other trendy jean that you have in your wardrobe.

Travel Umbrella

Because of the unpredictability of the weather it is always a good idea to bring a nice travel umbrella with you when sightseeing in San Francisco.

Day Pack

A day pack is a good choice for carrying your stuff around San Francisco.

It can hold your water bottle, your umbrella, and your extra layers. Plus it makes it easier to navigate the hills because it leaves your hands free.

My favorite is this Osprey Ultralight.

Tote Bag

Did you know that San Francisco was the first city to outlaw single use plastic bags? If you are going to be doing any shopping while you are in town you might want to bring your own tote bag!

Water Bottle

You will definitely want to stay hydrated even though the weather may not be hot!

Plan to carry a water bottle with you for sightseeing and outdoor activities! You can carry one like the Takeya.

General Packing Tips For ANY Destination

Here are a few packing tips for ANY destination!

Always, Always Check the Weather Before You Leave

Always check the weather forecast the day before you go on a trip. This will give you time to add or remove a jacket, throw in an umbrella, or completely redo what you had planned to bring.

I’ll never forget FREEZING in Florence Italy in June because I had forgotten to check the weather and had packed nothing for cold weather.

Are You Packing Light or Bringing Whatever You Want?

Decide whether or not you are going light before you start packing.

Some of this may depend on how far you are going and whether or not you are flying or road-tripping.

Honestly, If we are taking a road trip I pretty much bring whatever I want. When I’m flying I pack much lighter.

What About Luggage?

Do you want something on wheels or do you want to carry your luggage on your back?

I’m a wheels person myself!

I have and love the Away Bag Bigger Carry On but it is a little pricy!

If you are looking for a carry on that is high quality but a little less expensive check out the Amazon Basics Carry On. It is under $100 and gets great reviews!

Roll or Fold?

Almost every packing guru will tell you that you need to roll your clothing rather than fold them. Y’all, I just can’t do it! I’m a folder not a roller.

However, I do LOVE using packing cubes and definitely recommend them. These are my favorite packing cubes.

You can divide items up anyway you like: by outfits, or tops in one and bottoms in another…pajamas, swimwear, etc.

I personally like to set up outfits, but do whatever works for you!

If you are really trying to squeeze a lot into a small suitcase you can use these Compression Cubes by Eagle Creek!

A Few More Basic Packing Tips

• Put the heaviest items towards the wheels of a rolling bag or in the bottom of your backpack. This will make a rolling bag more stable and not as likely to fall over and it will make your backpack more comfortable.

• Choose travel friendly fabrics (meaning things that don’t wrinkle) You don’t want to spend your vacation ironing do you? However, if you do bring something that wrinkles consider using this travel steamer instead of an iron.

• Bring a bag for laundry that will keep the dirty things separated from your clean items. I usually bring a waterproof travel laundry bag.

• Pack by outfit! This way you won’t bring individual items that you don’t actually need and won’t wear.

• Lay things out before you put them in your bag. This enables you to see what you don’t really need or what you might be missing!

I hope that this helps you to know what to wear in San Francisco and what to pack for your San Francisco vacation!

Have a great time visiting this fascinating city.

The post What to Wear in San Francisco: Packing List For San Francisco appeared first on Wear I Wandered.

I grew up in south Florida and we used to visit the Keys frequently when I was a child. My husband and I recently took a road trip through the Keys so that I could show my him the place where I grew up.

I still love the Keys. It is truly one of my favorite spots in the world. Such a unique and beautiful place!

Here are some ideas for what to wear in the Florida Keys as well as some general packing tips!

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Prepare for South Florida Weather

Let’s talk about the weather in the Florida Keys!

Did you know that the Florida Keys are the closest you can get to the equator while still being in the United States?

It is warm year round. It is also humid so the high temperatures will feel a little hotter.

Fortunately the Keys are surrounded by waters that help to moderate the temperatures a bit and typically there is an ocean breeze. But it will be hot most of the year.

The other thing to know is that there isn’t a great deal of fluctuation between daytime and nighttime temperatures. In other words, it doesn’t cool off a lot at night.

The only major weather related thing you need to concern yourself with in the Keys is hurricane season!

Hurricane Season:

Hurricane season starts June 1 and lasts until Nov. 30. The season peaks in August through early October as surface temperatures in the Atlantic hit their highest temperatures.

I have actually been in the Keys when a hurricane was approaching and evacuations had begun. Let me tell you…evacuating on the small highway that runs through the Keys is not fun.

Keep an eye on the weather if you plan to travel during hurricane season!

January – March:

Highs are in the mid to high 70’s and lows in the mid to high 60’s. These are the months when a cardigan or windbreaker might come in handy.

The skies are typically sunny and it is a great time to explore because it isn’t too hot!

It is also high season in the Florida Keys because everyone wants to enjoy the nice weather.

April – June:

Beautiful and warm!

The highs will be in the mid to high 80’s and the lows in the mid to high 70’s. A gorgeous time to go to the Keys in my opinion.

July – September:

Hot and humid, but less crowded.

High temps are in the 90’s and lows are in the high 70’s to low 80’s. This is where things start to get a little dicey because although hurricane season begins in June it peaks in September.

October – December:

Hurricane season comes to an end in November. The temperatures start to cool a little with highs in the mid-80’s and lows in the mid 70’s. December can be pretty busy with tourists. I love November in the Keys!

You might be interested in planning a wonderful trip through the Florida Keys

Packing Tips for Key West and the Florida Keys

What do People Wear in the Florida Keys? What is the General Style?

You will find that the style in the Keys is very casual! People are definitely not “done up” here.

• Casual, casual, casual! Tanks, shorts, and flip flops everywhere.
• Comfortable clothing is favored. You will want to wear breezy dresses when the weather is warm. On the few cool days go with leggings or joggers or even shorts topped with a jacket.
• Shorts are acceptable almost everywhere!
• Sandals and flip flops abound and can be worn almost anywhere.
• It’s fine to throw a cover-up over your swimsuit to go in a store or even many restaurants.
• Think island wear, easy sundresses, cute coverups, shorts
• Lots of bathing suits
• Short sleeves T-shirts and tanks
• You can definitely wear color in the Florida Keys

What to pack for Key West and the Florida Keys

Bring shorts, beach coverups, bathing suits and dresses! People in the Keys are all about comfort and rarely wear long jeans. You will see a lot of people wearing denim shorts through!

Almost anything goes when it comes to swimsuits in the Florida Keys. From the skimpiest bikini to full coverage swim shorts and tops.

If you are going to snorkel then a little more coverage is always a good idea to protect from the coral.

Swimsuits…

Click on the links to check out these bathing suits.

…And More Swimsuits.

Swimsuit Cover-ups

You will definitely need to pack a couple of great swim suite coverups on your trip to the Florida Keys. They are perfect for running into a store or a great little restaurant.

• This crochet swim suit cover up is easy and adorable.
• This gauzy shirt dress style cover up is perfection.
• A swiss dot blousy button up coverup would take you straight from the beach to lunch. This one comes in a bunch of great colors.

shorts and Breezy Dresses

One of the best packing tips for the Florida Keys? Bring shorts and breezy dresses! Here are a few of my favorites:

These original Levis would be cute to wear walking around in Key West. They come in plain blue denim as well as a bunch of other colors and patterns and styles.

You can never go wrong with a great pair of white shorts. I really like the distressing on these!

Here is a cute sleeveless swing dress that comes in a ton of different colors and patterns.

I adore this little spaghetti strap dress in a pretty floral print and a tie at the waist.

Flip Flops

Seriously, some flip flops have got to go in your bag when you are packing for the Florida Keys! You can’t go wrong with a pair of pink Havaianas!

More Miscellaneous Things to Pack For Key West and the Florida Keys

Reef Safe Sunscreen

You are going to want to protect both your skin and the gorgeous reefs in the Florida Keys. The sun in the keys is intense so definitely be prepared for that! This reef repair sunscreen is both all natural and water resistant.

Water Bottle

You will definitely want to stay hydrated in the Florida heat! Plan to carry a water bottle with you for sightseeing and outdoor activities! You can carry one like the Takeya which I really love.

A Sun Hat

In the Florida Keys you will definitely want to wear something on your head to protect you from the sun. I love hats! A cute straw hat is one of the best things to wear in the summer. This straw hat is adorable and is foldable for travel!

Sunscreen Lip Balm

You will also need some sunscreen lip balm for extra protection from the sun. We really like the Banana Boat brand.

Waterproof Phone Case

I like to protect my phone from the sand and salt water with this waterproof phone case.

Underwater Camera

Ok, I can’t claim that an underwater camera is an essential item to back for the Florida Keys…but it sure would be fun! You will probably be spending some time looking at the beautiful reefs under the water.

The Olympus Tough TG-6 is one of the top rated and the gopros are always a favorite.

However, if you are looking for something less expensive you can get one of these Dragon touch 4K action cameras (the one pictured) for well under $100.

Sea Salt Hair Spray

You may find that your hair goes a little crazy in the keys! I know mine does. I end up having to wear it curly due to the Florida water and humidity. I love this hair sea salt spray! It has UV protection and will give you a fun beachy look!

General Packing Tips For ANY Destination

Now that I’ve given you a few specific packing tips for the Florida Keys let me give you a few packing tips for ANY destination!

Always, Always Check the Weather Before You Leave

It is best not just to assume that you know what the weather will be.

Always check the weather report in the days before you take a trip. This will give you time to add or remove a jacket, throw in an umbrella, or completely redo what you had planned to bring.

Ok, let’s be honest, for the Florida Keys you can pretty safely assume that the weather will be warm – at least about 95% of the year. There are a few odd days in January or February when it might be cooler – you might need a lightweight jacket.

What you are really looking for when you check the forecast for Florida is storms! Check for tropical storms and hurricanes before you plan your trip.

Are You Packing Light or Bringing Whatever You Want?

Decide how much you want to bring before you start packing.

Some of this may depend on how far you are going and whether or not you are flying or road-tripping. Honestly, If we are taking a road trip I pretty much bring whatever I want.

When I’m flying I pack much lighter. In fact I often pack in a carry on when I’m flying. It’s crazy, but sometimes I bring less on a trip to Europe than I do on a road trip to the next state.

It’s pretty easy to pack lighter when you are going to a warm weather destination like Florida!

What About Luggage?

Do you want something on wheels or do you want to carry your luggage on your back?

I’m a wheels person myself!

I do love the Away Bag Bigger Carry On and I have it in pink! However, it is a little pricy!

If you are looking for a carry on that is high quality but a little less expensive check out the Amazon Basics Carry On. It is under $100 and gets great reviews!

Roll or Fold?

Almost every packing guru will tell you that you need to roll your clothing rather than fold them. Y’all, I just can’t do it! I’m a folder not a roller.

However, I do LOVE using packing cubes and definitely recommend them. The ones pictured are my favorite packing cubes.

You can divide items up anyway you like: by outfits, or tops in one and bottoms in another…pajamas, swimwear, etc.I personally like to set up outfits, but do whatever works for you!

If you are really trying to squeeze a lot into a small suitcase you can use these Compression Cubes by Eagle Creek!

It’s all about the Layers

When you travel you are always going to want to think about packing in layers.

As you put together your outfits always ask yourself questions like: Do I have something I can throw on over this if it gets cool in the evening. Or, will I still like this outfit if it gets hot and I have to take the jacket off?

In this case you are packing for the Florida Keys. You really don’t need to worry too much about layers! Throw in a lightweight sweater in case it is breezy at night or the air-conditioning is too cool in a restaurant or store.

My favorite layer is typically a denim jacket, but denim is a little too heavy for this part of Florida. When packing for the Keys I would bring a lightweight cardigan and/or a lightweight wind breaker.

• I really love this crocheted cardigan! It is very lightweight and would even be cute as a beach cover up.

• Here is a basic cardigan that is not heavy and comes in a ton of colors!

• If you want to bring a lightweight jacket or wind breaker this one is a great value and comes in several different colors!

A Few More Basic Packing Tips

Put the heaviest items towards the wheels of a rolling bag or in the bottom of your backpack. This will make a rolling bag more stable and not as likely to fall over and it will make your backpack more comfortable.

Bring a bag for laundry that will keep the dirty things separated from your clean items. Bring a bag specifically for wet items if you will be doing some swimming or working out!

I love this striped travel wet bag and it comes in a ton of colors and patterns. A wet back is especially important when you are traveling places where you will be in the water a lot.

Choose travel friendly fabrics (meaning things that don’t wrinkle) You don’t want to spend your vacation ironing do you? However, if you do bring something that wrinkles consider using this travel steamer instead of an iron.

Make a Packing List Before you Go on Your Trip

If you start thinking about things to pack in the week before your trip you will have time to grab any extra items that you might need rather than rushing around at the last minute.

Another thing that I find that makes packing easier for me is to…

Pack by Outfit: Know what you will wear before you go!

Pack by outfit! This way you won’t bring individual items that you don’t actually need and won’t wear.

Lay things out before you put them in your bag. This enables you to see what you don’t really need or what you might be missing!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

I hope that this post helps you as you pack for your vacation to the Florida Keys! It truly is a magical place. I would love to hear about your trip in the comments.

I also have packing lists for a Texas Vacation and for a trip to San Francisco!

The post What to Wear in Key West: Packing Tips for the Florida Keys appeared first on Wear I Wandered.

Sure, it’s cold, but there are amazing winter activities in Fairbanks that are worth bundling up for!

Be prepared with the proper clothing for sub zero temperatures and experience winter fun in Fairbanks Alaska!

Things to do in Fairbanks Alaska in Winter

We visited Fairbanks in February with friends.

The main purpose of our visit was to see the Northern Lights. We succeeded!

Best of all, despite the cold, we found many more winter activities in Fairbanks than we could have imagined.

In fact, this ended up being one of our most memorable trips ever! Don’t let the cold stop you from planning a winter adventure in Fairbanks AK.

View the Northern Lights in Fairbanks

Like us, many people come to Fairbanks in winter to see the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights. This is one of the best places in the world to see this amazing display.

Tips for seeing the aurora borealis in Fairbanks, AK:

• Be aware that the Northern Lights are unpredictable.
• They say that if you stay in Fairbanks, Alaska for 4 nights during the dark season you will have an 80 percent chance of seeing the northern lights. We stayed in Fairbanks 4 nights. They appeared on the first night we arrived and we stayed up until 2:00 AM watching them. We also saw them briefly the second night and then not again.
• Did you know that it doesn’t have to be cold for you to see the Aurora Borealis? It just has to be dark. Dark nights just happen to coincide with cold in the latitudes in which the lights can be seen.
• Get away from ambient light. We stayed in an Airbnb outside of Fairbanks and could see the Aurora perfectly from the back porch of our house. In town they were much fainter.
• Check the weather forecast. Cloud cover will obscure the lights
• Check the Aurora forecast. Yes, there are forecasts that show the chance that the lights will appear! Here is an aurora forecast from the University of Alaska.
• Avoid the full moon. You can sometimes see the lights with a full moon, but it can make it harder. A quarter moon or less is said to be the best.
• The lights often show up late in the night so be prepared to stay up! It’s worth it!
• If you are staying in a hotel in Fairbanks some of them will provide an aurora wake up call!
• Dress warmly! You don’t want to be too cold to enjoy seeing the lights!
• Consider taking a tour. You will have several options if you are leaving from Fairbanks. Look into the Arctic Circle and Northern Lights Tour.
• The Northern Lights can be tricky to photograph. If you like photography and want to learn how to photograph the northern lights check out Aurora Bear for their aurora photography classes. I was a complete beginner at photographing the lights and I’m sure my photos would have been a lot better had I taken a class!

Dog Sledding

For some reason I was hesitant to do this quintessential Alaskan activity. Perhaps I was thinking that it was mean to ride on a sled pulled by dogs.

I was so wrong! The sled dogs are literally born to run!

They are feisty and high energy and they need a job to be happy. It was obvious how excited they were to take off through the snow. If anything, it was hard for the trainers to STOP them from running.

Dog sledding, also known as mushing, was an incredible experience.

This is not just for tourists, it is a form of transportation that many Alaskans actually use to get around in the winter. You can find many opportunities to go mushing in and around Fairbanks.

There are rides of various lengths and with some companies you will even get to try your hand at driving the sled.

Check out Bill Cotter’s Dog Sledding. Cotter is a former Iditarod racer and this is a small family owned business just outside of Fairbanks.

Or this private guided mushing tour that will allow you plenty of time with the dogs and the Alaskan wilderness scenery.

Snowmobiling

Snowmobiling may have been the most exciting winter activity that we tried in Fairbanks.

It was exhilarating to zoom along the snow covered trails through gorgeous forests and thrilling to race around frozen, snow covered ponds. Just a great experience!

You will need some really, really warm and protective clothing for this activity so consider renting the right gear or choose a guide that will help you to get properly attired for both warmth and safety.

Check out Rod’s Alaskan Guide Service or this guided snowmobile tour both of which will also provide the proper gear for warmth and protection.

Chena Hot Springs

A dip in the hot springs when the weather is in the negative digits is something not to be missed.

Chena Hot Springs is about an hour and a half drive from Fairbanks and it is definitely worth the trip. You will want to visit the Aurora ice museum which is inside the resort, soak in the springs, or even plan to stay onsite for a night or two.

Wouldn’t it be lovely to watch the aurora from the warmth of the springs? You can do that too!

If you are coming in for a day trip you will be able to purchase a day pass for the springs.

Chena provides nice changing rooms and an enclosed walkway that takes you right into the warm water. It is an incredible experience to soak in the warmth while surrounded by ice and snow.

If you are interested in staying in Chena Hot Springs be sure and check out the Chena Hot Springs Resort!

The “North Pole”

The North Pole is a small town that is only about a 15 minute drive from Fairbanks. Yes, It is a bit of a tourist trap in that they have fully embraced their name and are decorated for Christmas year round.

We still enjoyed our visit here! There is a sprawling store called Santa Claus House which features all things Christmas! This includes aisle after aisle of ornaments and a great selection of toys.

The North Pole post office receives over 400,000 pieces of mail each year addressed to “Santa Claus, North Pole, Alaska.” Volunteers work to respond to each letter.

You may be surprised to learn that The North Pole is surprisingly known for having some good restaurants.

We ate at the Pagoda Restaurant and I can definitely recommend it.

Running Reindeer Ranch

Do you want to learn more about reindeer and the forests of Alaska?

Take a look at the Running Reindeer Ranch. This is one of the most unique and highly rated experiences in the Fairbanks area. Visitors will actually get to walk with the reindeer as they learn all about them.

You will definitely want to make a reservation as walks and tours are by appointment only.

Snowshoe Tours and Ice Fishing

Snowshoeing and Ice Fishing were two things that we did not have time to do while we were in Alaska!

But if these are winter activities that you would like to try out I recommend that you check this amazing Fairbanks Ice Fishing Tour that also provides a heated cabin and a fish cookout.

For snowshoeing you can check out this snowshoe tour that will allow you to travel at a leisurely pace and watch for the Alaskan wildlife such as moose, birds, snowshoe hare, and foxes.

Ice Art Championships

If you are in Fairbanks in late February then you will want to attend the Ice Art Championships! This is a serious competition. There are typically over 80 ice sculptures created by carvers from all over the world.

These carvings tend to be more like art installations and they are truly exquisite.

Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitor Center

Definitely stop by the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitor Center while you are visiting Fairbanks!

I would suggest visiting here shortly after your arrival. This is the place to pick up brochures and get ideas for things to do in and around the city. The folks at the Visitor Center were very helpful with ideas for our trip.

In addition to getting help and ideas you can explore the exhibits at the center. These are very nice and well done. You will learn about what life is like in all the four seasons of Alaska as well as see some Alaskan Native Art.

Don’t forget to walk around the grounds to see the iconic antler arch!

Trans-Alaska Pipeline

There is a viewing point for the Trans-Alaska Pipeline just outside of Fairbanks called the Aleyeska Pipeline Viewing Point.

This is a free attraction where you can get a close up look of one of the world’s great engineering feats! You will find informational displays to help you learn more about this marvel.

Did you know that 420 miles of the pipeline are elevated through the Alaskan wilderness?

Fountainhead Auto Museum

There may be moments during a winter visit to Fairbanks when you want to get out of the cold and The Fountainhead Auto Museum is an extraordinary place!

They describe themselves on their website as an “immersive celebration of our love of the road and the magnificent machines that once transported us there.”

This is a car museum and more. There are 80 vintage vehicles that are showcased here along with multi media presentations and displays of period fashion to match the era of the car.

University of Alaska Museum of the North

The Museum of the North is a modern museum where you can discover the stories of the Alaskan people, places, and wildlife. The museum is a great introduction to this fascinating state.

The building itself is a must see. It was designed by a nationally renowned architect and was created in such a way that its lines and spaces are meant to evoke the aurora, the glaciers, and the mountains of the state.

It is subtle but you can see it if you know what you are looking for.

Definitely take some time to look at the Alaska Art Gallery which showcases Alaskan art from ancient Eskimo carvings to contemporary paintings.

Pioneer Park

Pioneer Park is a historic village that features original buildings moved from downtown Fairbanks.

In the summer there are shops and rides and a train that runs around the perimeter of the park. Even though the shops and restaurants are mostly closed in the the winter you can still walk around and get a feel for the early years of Alaska.

Breweries

Fairbanks has some excellent breweries! We really liked Silver Gulch Brewing and Bottling Company which is also a restaurant and is housed in an old road house.

The atmosphere is warm and inviting, the food and the beer were really enjoyable. It also has the distinction of being America’s most northern brewery.

We also really enjoyed HooDoo Brewing Company. You can stop by their taproom to sample a class of their locally brewed beer.

Enjoy Your Visit to Fairbanks in the Winter!

We loved our trip to Fairbanks Alaska in the winter. From the Northern Lights to unexpected museums to hot springs to enjoying a cold glass of beer with friends…it was a wonderful trip.

Yes, it is cold. You will definitely need to be prepared for that. But don’t let that stop you from enjoying all that Fairbanks has to offer even when the nights are long and the temperatures are low.

Thanks so much for stopping by.

The post Best Things to do in Fairbanks in Winter appeared first on Wear I Wandered.

Besides being a gorgeous place for a mountaintop wedding it is also an inviting and adorable little town with plenty of things to do.

You will find adventure in the form of hiking, jeeping, riding ATV’s, and exploring old mining ghost towns as well as some excellent restaurants and also plenty of options for cabins to rent in Ouray, Colorado.

Wonderful Rental Cabins in Ouray Colorado

All photos are courtesy of Airbnb. Some of the links below are affiliate links which means that if you click through and rent through the link I may earn a small commission at NO additional cost to you.

Do be aware that due to the mountain location and elevation many of these rental cabins in Ouray Colorado do not have air-conditioning as it is rarely needed.

Newly Remodeled Condo with Fireplace and Mountain Views

This is a gorgeous condo located just a short walk from the Ouray Hot Springs pool. It is located on the third floor of the condominium which means that you get panoramic mountain views from the living room windows.

It also means that it this accommodation does require walking up some stairs, but I think that for most people the views will be worth it!

You can enjoy the lovely updated kitchen and the amazing fireplace in this 2 bedroom 2 bath location.

Stunning Ouray Escape with Panoramic Mountain Views

This Ouray cabin rental is a light and bright home luxury home situated just a couple of miles north of the charming mountain town of Ouray.

This cabin has stunning views of the glorious San Juan Mountains that you can see from the huge picture windows in the living area.

This is a perfect rental in Ouray, Colorado for a large family or friend group because it has three king bedrooms and three bathrooms. The spacious deck will be perfect for relaxing after an action packed day exploring the mountains around Ouray.

Ouray Log Cabin – Cozy Cabin Overlooking the Uncompahgre River

This Ouray, Colorado log cabin has the best combination of quiet and seclusion while still being close to town. It is only a 7 minute walk from the Ouray hot springs pool and 10 minutes to downtown.

The gorgeous and expansive front porch overlooks the Uncompahgre River with incredible mountain views.

This log home is homey and rustic and spotlessly clean. It has two bedrooms as well as a loft that is also a sleeping area.

There is also a fire pit and all the conveniences of home.

Modern Ouray Condo in the Heart of Downtown

This one has it all, location AND charm. This modern condo sits right on Main Street in downtown Ouray which means you can walk to restaurants, breweries, and shopping.

The brick walls, large windows, and high ceilings give this incredible condo a feeling that is both industrial and cozy.

This is a two bedroom, two bath rental with a full kitchen and a laundry room. It also has air-conditioning which is hard to find in the mountains!

Gorgeous Condo in Downtown Ouray

This gorgeous condo in downtown Ouray is a perfect place to stay. It is both sophisticated and upscale, but still manages to be oh, so cozy.

This one bedroom condo would be the perfect place for a romantic get away.

There are gorgeous windows all around that allow the Colorado sunlight to spill into the rooms.

From both the windows and the deck of the condo you have spectacular views of the town of Ouray and the surrounding mountains. This condo is a must see!

Rustic River Cabins

Most of the accommodations in Ouray that are on this list have been a tad on the more refined side, but perhaps you are looking for something a little more rustic?

These cabins might be just the place!

Ouray Riverside Resort has both a campground as well as private cabins facing the river. You can go to sleep with the sound of the water running right outside your door.

There are deluxe cabins that have kitchens and bathrooms as well as more rustic cabins that do not have running water or bathrooms. They do have electricity and a nice toilet and shower facility is only steps away.

Cozy and Modern Home in Downtown Ouray

Every amenity has been included in this adorable home in downtown Ouray. The open floor plan is bright and airy. The kitchen is perfect for making meals for friends and family and you can even enjoy a movie in the living room or the upstairs theater room.

The deck off the kitchen is perfect for grilling.

This house has 4 bedrooms and is close to everything that Ouray has to offer!

Renovated Historic Home near Downtown Ouray

Looking for a long term rental? This historic home in Ouray called The Dawson House is available for stays of 30 days or longer.

It was built in 1888 but has been completely renovated to maintain its victorian charm while still providing all the modern amenities.

It is a two bedroom two bath home with a nice kitchen and living areas and would be the perfect place to rent if you plan to stay in the Colorado mountains for a month or more.

Hope you enjoyed this list of great rental cabins Ouray, Colorado!

Thanks for stopping by,

Emily

The post The Best Rental Cabins in Ouray, Colorado appeared first on Wear I Wandered.

None of us had ever lived in this amazing city before so we did a lot of exploring! My favorite thing about living in San Francisco was getting to see the Golden Gate Bridge. The view never gets old.

Here is a list of what I think are the best places to see the Golden Gate Bridge!

Where to Go For the Best Views of the Golden Gate Bridge!

Note: You may have heard that San Francisco is known for its fog. It is true.

There are many, many foggy days when visibility is low. See the photos below for proof. On a clear day we would have had a gorgeous shot of the bridge behind us.

If the fog is heavy you might not be able to see the bridge at all from many of these locations. Be sure and watch the weather before you go and keep your plans flexible because the conditions can change quickly.

Believe it or not some of the worst weather is in San Francisco is in the summer. Mark Twain has been attributed with saying that, “The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco.”

As a southern girl I can relate! I was shocked at how cold and foggy San Francisco was in the summer.

Interesting little tidbit: The color of the bridge is officially called “International Orange.”

Enjoy this list of the best places to see the Golden Gate Bridge.

Baker Beach

I’m going to start with Baker Beach.

This is my personal favorite of the best places to see the Golden Gate Bridge because I was engaged on this beach!

My then boyfriend, now husband, planned a surprise engagement with the help of my best friends. My friends and I had gotten dressed up ostensibly to go take “galentine’s” day photos.

Instead I became engaged and it was one of the best days of my life.

But enough about that!

Baker Beach is a gorgeous place with glorious views of the Golden Gate Bridge including the waves rolling onto the beach below. There is a parking lot on the hills above which makes Baker Beach easy to access.

Tip: Go near sunset on a clear afternoon to see the sun setting into the water and causing the colors of the bridge pop even more.

You might also be interested in my list of packing tips for San Francisco!

Marshall’s Beach

Marshall’s Beach has a similar view of the Golden Gate Bridge as Baker Beach, but it is even closer. The sunset views from here are also amazing.

You will be able to see the bridge glowing in the afternoon sun as waves crash on the rocks on this beach. In fact, Marshall’s Beach might win the photogenic award over Baker Beach because of the huge rocks scattered on the beach and in the water.

The only drawback is that Marshall’s beach is a little hard to get to.

You will have to do some hiking and the path down to the beach is fairly long and steep which of course means that the walk back UP is also long and steep.

To get to Marshall’s Beach take the Batteries to Bluffs Trail which runs along the ridge from the bridge to Baker Beach. About halfway you will find a detour to take you down to Marshall’s Beach.

The advantage of this beach being a little harder to get to is that is typically is a little more secluded.

Note: Because it is more secluded Marshall’s Beach is sometimes used as the nude beach so you might see more “views” than you bargained for.

Battery Spencer

Those iconic photos that you see most often of the Golden Gate Bridge? There is a good chance that they were taken at Battery Spencer.

This is the location of the most famous and dramatic view. The bridge will be in the foreground with the city in the background.

From this vantage point you are almost at an eye level with the bridge and there are no obstructions. You will not have any problems getting the perfect photo from here!

Battery Spencer is on the Sausalito side of the bridge. It is an old artillery battery that sits on the cliffs overlooking the northern end of the bridge.

This viewpoint is popular and it can be busy but you should be able to spread out a little from the crowds to enjoy the views.

If you go at sunset the sun will be behind you and will bathe the bridge in a gorgeous glow. To avoid the crowds go in the morning.

Tip: These cliffs are known for being cold and windy so dress appropriately!

Fort Point National Historic Site

At Fort Point you will get an interesting perspective of the bridge because you will be below it!

Fort Point is now a National Historic Site. With its position on the bay it protected San Francisco from early days through WWII.

The fort is now a museum which you can tour. You can even go on the roof of the fort and look straight up through the delicate but strong lattice work of the bridge.

This is the spot where architecture buffs will want to go to see more of the way the bridge was construced.

Battery East Vista Point

Not too far from Fort Point you will find The Battery East Vista Point.

This area was revamped within the last decade with help from a grant given by the Tiffany & Co. Foundation.

There are now bicycle, pedestrian, and accessible paths as well as a concrete plaza with terraced seating which makes it nice for visitors to just sit and and relax and soak up the views.

The views of the bridge from Battery East Vista Point are gorgeous and this is an easy spot to visit!

Crissy Field

Crissy Field was once a military airfield and is now a public park. Much of it is a large flat, grassy field. It is a perfect place to spread out a blanket and bask in the sun with a picnic lunch.

It is also a stunning place to walk or bike. There is a promenade with iconic views of the Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge.

The park is on the water and therefore you won’t have a high view of the Bridge, but it is lovely none the less.

Make your way down to the beach while you are here to get another view of the bridge from the water’s edge or walk out on the pier for a slightly different vista.

Tip: You can walk or bike from Fort Point to Crissy Field with nice views along the way!

Land’s End

Land’s End is farther away than most of the other places that I’ve mentioned, but wow!

This is located on the northwest end of San Francisco and the trails here will give you a wilder view of the Golden Gate bridge with wide open sea and lots of vegetation.

At every turn on the trail you will find another stunning view!

Be sure to check out the ruins of Sutro Baths while you are out this direction.

Tip: You will definitely need to pick a clear day if you want a view from Land’s End, but it will definitely be worth it!

Fort Baker

Fort Baker is on the Sausalito side and sits near and below the bridge.

You can choose to go down to the water to see the Golden Gate Bridge or hike up the hills for a different and stunning view point.

There is even a pier on the shoreline and if you are traveling with kids you might want to check out The Bay Area Discovery Museum at Fort Baker which focuses on San Francisco Bay history and ecology.

Kirby Cove

This is the Insta-famous beach you might have seen…it is the one with the swing!

Unfortunately the swing is not always there – probably because the instagramers made this spot a little too popular. Swing or no, this pocket sized beach still has gorgeous views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

You will have to do a little hiking to Kirby Cove! The path to the cove is pretty steep and about a mile long but you will descend through a pretty wooded area and come out on a small but gorgeous beach with an amazing view of the bridge.

Even though it isn’t easy to get to and even though you might not get your perfect photo on the swing this is still a wonderful place to view the Golden Gate Bridge.

Hope you enjoyed this list of the best places to see the Golden Gate Bridge.

Thanks for stopping by!

The post Best Places to See the Golden Gate Bridge appeared first on Wear I Wandered.

Because I am a flight attendant, our whole relationship has been one of long distance plane rides to see each other, and a whole lot of adventures.

We knew pretty immediately after getting engaged we wanted to elope, as travel and experiencing new places were such a huge part of our relationship together. We eventually decided on a Colorado Elopement and it was perfect!

The journey to our Colorado elopement. 

As all 2020 brides know, planning a wedding during a global pandemic was not an easy feat.

Daniel and I had originally planned to elope in Europe, and then shortly after move to Denver, Colorado for my job.

Obviously NEITHER of these plans came to fruition.

Eventually, Daniel and I came to the conclusion that planning anything for the future at the moment was near impossible, so we decided, why wait?!

We were gonna do this dang thing. And since we were being spontaneous why not go ahead and plan it in two weeks!

Best, slightly hectic but still best, decision we ever made!

Why An Elopement in Colorado? 

We knew pretty immediately we wanted to get married in the mountains.

Sound of Music is and always will be my favorite movie and since we couldn’t jet off to Switzerland on a whim, I wanted to have my very own Sound of Music moment here in the states. 

We ruled out anywhere in my home state of Arkansas – or anywhere else in the south because, hello, 95% humidity, 95 degree heat, bugs, and afternoon thunderstorms.

I love you South, but not so much in late July. 

We had visited Colorado several times over the past year and a half and both were captivated with the mountain towns, so it was one of our top contenders. 

Colorado Marriage Licenses

What really sealed the deal for us is that in Colorado you can self-solemnize.

Meaning, all you have to do to get married there is obtain a marriage license and then sign it. You don’t have to have a pastor or someone with “the power vested in them” to marry you.

You don’t need any witnesses. And since we were planning to elope and wanted a very intimate wedding this sounded just perfect for us!

If you are interested in this and want to read more about it, click here! Colorado is one of only three states that have these marriage laws.

Our Photographer

My first and most important step in planning our Colorado elopement was finding a photographer we loved. I scoured Pinterest and Instagram for days and sent inquiries to several photographers asking about available dates, pricing, etc.

As soon as I heard back from Carissa, of Carissa Marie Photography, I knew she was our perfect fit. First of all, her photos were incredible, and secondly, I could tell even through email how warm, kind, and genuine she was. 

She helped me from start to finish planning our Colorado elopement in such a short amount of time, and I literally couldn’t have done it without her! 

She also helped us pick out the perfect spot for our dreamy, magical mountain top elopement. 

Ouray, Colorado. 

A month ago I had never heard of the quaint town of Ouray, Colorado, but now it is one of my favorite places in the whole world. Nestled in a box canyon in the San Juan Mountains, its charm and landscape is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. 

Carissa’s family had gone to Ouray every summer while she was growing up and once I described the vision for our day, intimate, gorgeous mountain scenery, abundant wildflowers and somewhere non-touristy, she told me she knew the perfect place for us.

Ouray is literally known as “the Switzerland of America” so it really couldn’t get more close to what I had envisioned than that.

Check out our Ouray, Colorado post for more details on what we did during our stay and this post about places to stay while in Ouray. 

Family Affair

Originally, Daniel and were thinking that we would elope with just the two of us, but once we decided on eloping in the states, we knew we wanted our parents to be there with us.

It truly meant the world to us when they were immediately on board and so very excited to join us on this adventure.

It made our trip that much more special, meaningful, and emotion-filled. 

We decided to all head out there several days before the ceremony day so we could have fun enjoying each other’s company and having a mini-vacation.

We stayed in a huge Airbnb on the outskirts of town so we could all be together and spent our nights outside on the balcony looking at the stars. 

During the days leading up to the ceremony, we did several hikes, enjoyed the local breweries and ice cream shops, took in the beautiful scenery, and drove Razrs through the mountains all the way up to 13,000 feet elevation.

The views we were able to see took our breath away, literally and figuratively. Creating these memories with our parents is something we will never forget. 

Yankee Boy Basin

For our ceremony, our photographer suggested we get married in Yankee Boy Basin, about a 40-minute drive from the town of Ouray up in the mountains. To get here, you definitely need a jeep or off-roading vehicle and it isn’t great for the faint of heart or anyone scared of heights (sorry mom!).

The views make the slightly treacherous drive 100% worth it though. 

Daniel and I met up with our photographer Carrissa and her mom the evening before our wedding day to drive up to Yankee Boy Basin and pick the exact spot where we wanted to get married. 

Once we got into the basin we could not believe how stunning it was. We chose to have our ceremony spot in a field of wildflowers, right next to a waterfall, with mountains surrounding us on all sides.

We both got teary-eyed when we saw this spot as we just knew it was exactly where we wanted to pledge our lives to one another and share our wedding vows. 

The Wedding Day

In case you couldn’t tell already, I think eloping is the best thing ever.

The morning of our ceremony was so low stress. No running around trying to get the venue set up or worrying about any small details. I was able to relax and really soak in the day and the meaning of the commitment I was about to make.

Daniel and I chose not to see each other for the whole day leading up to the ceremony, which gave us a lot of time to be excited and full of anticipation.

The morning was very laid back and sweet, and I had to hold back tears all day because I was so excited and just couldn’t believe how lucky I was to be marrying someone I loved and treasured so much. 

Florist

My dad and father-in-law went and picked up my flowers from Dahlia Florals for me and I was seriously blown away by how gorgeous they were! I wanted them to look like I had just picked them from the mountainside and that’s the exact look they gave me.

They were so full and lush and it was the perfect addition to our wedding day. 

Hair and Makeup

My mom and I got our hair and makeup done by the amazing Allie Laree, who is seriously incredible at what she does and so talented. I told her I wanted to be glowing and look like a bride, while still looking natural and feeling like myself and she totally nailed it!

I was so happy with my hair and makeup and she made me feel so beautiful. 

Videography

Allie and her husband, Chris, are the dynamic duo as he does videography and did our wedding video for us, which we are so very happy to have!

They reside in Arizona but travel all the time for weddings, and you can find their information here. Seriously I got so lucky with my vendors. I loved them all so much and by the end of the day I wanted to be best friends with each of them!

You can watch our wedding video here!

Our Ceremony 

Around 4pm, Daniel and I got in two separate jeeps as we made our way to Yankee Boy Basin. It started to rain on us as we made our way up the mountain but I had a sense of peace that no matter what everything was going to turn out perfectly. Even if it meant getting married in the rain! 

By the time we arrived, the rain had subsided and the sun started peaking through the clouds.

Daniel and his parents went to get set up at the ceremony spot and my parents helped me weave my way through my aisle of wildflowers. 

Music and walking down the aisle

Music was a huge part of our childhood and very special to both our families so we asked Daniel’s parents to play the violin for us as my dad walked me down the “aisle.” 

Seeing Daniel standing there smiling with tears in his eyes, having my dad beside me, hearing the violins echoing through the mountains and feeling so happy and at peace in that moment is something I’ll never forget. 

Letters

Since we have been long distance most of our relationship, letters are something we have written to each other often. When I returned to San Fransisco I would find letters Daniel had written me in the pocket of my jeans or in my suitcase.

Because of this importance to us, we decided to write each other personal letters to read at our wedding, and our moms also wrote us letters they read aloud as well. 

We also hand wrote our vows to each other, making promises that really meant something to us and how we want to live out our marriage. 

Hymns

As I said earlier, we love music and it has had a lot of meaning in our life, so my dad sang a cappella one of my favorite church hymns. 

Exchanging Rings

We ended the ceremony with the exchanging of rings, the signing of our marriage papers, and of course, a kiss (or two!) to really seal the deal! 

It was such an emotion filled day and because it was just us and our parents there, we felt free to express our love and be very vulnerable in those moments. 

Governors Basin

After celebrating with our parents, they decided to head back down the mountain and we went off to take pictures and explore with our photographer (and her mom who was amazing and drove us around everywhere in her jeep!) 

We drove further up into the mountains to Governors Basin, on even steeper roads, but it was seriously worth it as it was some of the most breathtaking sights I’d ever seen! Since a picture is worth a thousand words, I’ll let them do the talking. 

Picnic Time

Once we reached the top of Governors Basin, Daniel and I got to have a little picnic together. We popped champagne, and snacked on all the chocolates Daniel had picked out for us earlier in the day from Mouse’s Chocolate shop in Ouray.

We were so excited to officially be married and couldn’t believe how perfect the day had been, it almost seemed like it was all a dream! 

Our Colorado Elopement

Our Colorado Elopement was truly more meaningful and special than I could have ever hoped for.

Just remember that no matter how your day looks, if you decide to elope, have a micro wedding, a huge bash or anything in between, it’s going to be perfect because at the end of the day you are marrying the person you love.

Thank you for reading and joining in on a little glimpse of our love story. 

Emily

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